Dhoni credits bowlers for brilliant performance in the first ODI

Coming fresh from a 3-0 series victory over the Kiwis in Tests, where the spinners ruled the roost, India put up another spirited show in the coloured clothing to take the series lead by 1-0. In the absence of key pacers like Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India found an unlikely hero in the form of debutant Hardik Pandya who took three key wickets to dismantle the New Zealand innings.

After the end of the game, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised his pacers for giving the team the initial edge which proved vital in India’s win.

Dhoni said in the post-match press conference, “It was a fantastic performance from the fast bowlers. We had no clue it would help them. Hardik exploited the good length and Umesh is somebody who has been quite quick consistently, he has gone from fit to one of the fittest. Bumrah is very good in the middle overs, he can get me wickets then and also at the death.”

Praising Hardik Pandya, Dhoni said, “Hardik is deceptive, he bowls big and he’s got movement and can get purchase off the pitch. That’s why I wanted to give him a chance to exploit the new ball. Umesh bowled a good line and has generally been bowling in the right areas. It’s a good opportunity to showcase his talent. Not just him, but all the fast bowlers. It’s good to see Indian bowlers who can bowl quick.”

Expressing his disappointment over the horrible batting performance of his team, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson said, “We had to weather the storm a little bit, the first 10 overs they (India) bowled really well and some soft dismissals. Disappointing with the bat. A little up and down with sideways movement (regarding the pitch). We lost too many wickets too early.

Looked a bit worse, so some good scrapping towards the end. India were too good, very good chasing side and they showed it today. We were below par in all areas, we need to step that up. We're a tough unit, so we need to stick together and have to play our best cricket to beat India."

India is slated to play the second ODI against New Zealand on October 20.